TMS: 2-in-1 IndyCar race next year

DALLAS - IndyCar drivers will race twice in one day next year at Texas Motor Speedway, where the 2011 racing schedule also includes the track's first Saturday night NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race.

The Texas two-step for the IndyCar Series, along with Sprint Cup and Nationwide races under the lights on the first of the track's two NASCAR weekends, were the biggest changes revealed Tuesday for TMS's 15th season of racing.

For the first time in the IndyCar Series, and first time in major U.S. open-wheel racing since 1981, there will be two races on one day. The Firestone Twin 275s at Texas on June 11, dual races with two different winners.

"The concept has Indy car history to it, but at the same time provides a new dynamic event to our fans as well as the drivers themselves," TMS president Eddie Gossage said. "It should be a tremendous show."

n Armed Forces Bowl makes temporary move from TCU to SMU: In Dallas, the Armed Forces Bowl is moving its 2010 game to the SMU campus, a temporary switch during renovations to the stadium where the bowl played its first seven games.

Bowl officials said Tuesday that the Dec. 30 game will be played at SMU in Dallas with plans to return to the TCU campus in Fort Worth in 2011.

TCU announced plans Monday for a $105 million renovation of 80-year-old Amon G. Carter Stadium.

n Budweiser to sponsor Harvick next year: In Charlotte, N.C., Budweiser has signed on to sponsor Kevin Harvick in 2011.

Budweiser will be the primary sponsor on Harvick's No. 29 Chevrolet for 20 races next season, as well as the non-points events at Daytona and the annual All-Star race. Budweiser says it will be an associate sponsor on the remaining 16 Sprint Cup races.

Primary sponsor Shell-Pennzoil announced it was leaving his team in April. Harvick won that same week at Talladega.

In an interview with GQ magazine, the new Miami star reiterated that coming to the Heat was the right decision for him and his family, especially after hearing comments Gilbert made after the NBA's two-time reigning MVP chose to leave Cleveland after seven seasons.

James says, "I don't think he ever cared about LeBron," and adds, "me and my family have seen the character of that man."

n Leach takes on TV, plans to coach again: In New York, Mike Leach says he plans to get back into coaching after spending this season working in television.

The former Texas Tech coach was at the CBS College Sports studios in Manhattan on Tuesday to begin preparing for his new job as a game analyst.

Leach was fired by Texas Tech in December after being accused of mistreating a player who had a concussion.

He has sued the school for breach of contract and denies mistreating receiver Adam James.

Quirky and outspoken, Leach has never worked as a broadcaster. He says he took the job because he wanted to stay close to the game and likes the challenge of learning a new profession.

Leach has been living in Key West, Fla., with his family since leaving Lubbock.